as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Recent Examples of quintessential
Pastis The quintessential celebrity-magnet French bistro in the Meatpacking District basically defines downtown cool.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Anne Hathaway’s noughties resume was a big part of my childhood—from The Princess Diaries to The Devil Wears Prada; two films that put the actor’s character at the center of a quintessential makeover.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
Donni Davy, the Emmy-winning makeup artist for Euphoria, shut down critics who claimed the show's third season no longer featured its quintessential innovative makeup looks, which initially drew many viewers to the show.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Anne Hathaway’s noughties resume was a big part of my childhood—from The Princess Diaries to The Devil Wears Prada; two films that put the actor’s character at the center of a quintessential makeover.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
Donni Davy, the Emmy-winning makeup artist for Euphoria, shut down critics who claimed the show's third season no longer featured its quintessential innovative makeup looks, which initially drew many viewers to the show.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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Beachy handbags, light jackets, classic pearls, chunky boots—your choice of accompaniments can take things from romantic to edgy to eclectic.—
Kelsey Stiegman,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2026
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Many vintage fashion enthusiasts and Lilly Pulitzer collectors specifically seek out white label pieces for their classic prints, silhouettes, and legacy value.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Premium Back Massager Practical, sleek, and top of the line, this back massager is perfect for at-home spa days.—
Maeve Dunigan,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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The conditions were perfect for airlines to raise fares – bad news for bargain-seeking travelers.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Instead of contradicting Austen’s depictions, the series adds context and interiority, giving Mary a growth arc that highlights her similarities to the author’s archetypal heroines.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 May 2026
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Kelli Reynolds is a script supervisor for Inspiration, the language learning model that has copyrighted not just archetypal characters, but all tropes and plot beats, so that no human can access or create new stories.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
State Republican lawmakers didn’t offer definitive assessments of the map on Monday.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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The story behind sports’ most universal gesture is a genuine historical mystery with at least two credible origin claims, a handful of murkier ones and no definitive answer.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Conversations around excellent kebabs in Southern California tend to begin with the Martirosyan family and their Mini Kabob in Glendale.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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The lighting, art design and score are all excellent – and the single shot construction gives the film a dreamy, meditative quality.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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